BACKGROUND: After much heated debate, the U.S. House
of Representatives passed a comprehensive energy bill. While President
Bush had to compromise on some issues, Democrats voted with Republicans
to allow drilling in 2000 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge (ANWR). Corporate Average Fuel Standards (CAFE) were increased
but by a smaller margin than amendments sought. Tax incentives
were also included for oil and gas exploration, nuclear energy
and clean coal technology

TEN SECOND RESPONSE: Action on this bill was an important
step in securing our nation's security by allowing for more domestic
oil production.

THIRTY SECOND RESPONSE: This is the first time in nearly
20 years that we have increased the mileage requirement for light
trucks and SUVs. In another display of bi-partisanship, the bill
allows for 2000 acres or one ten thousandth of the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge to be open to drilling, while maintaining the
rest of it as is. This is a wonderful example of working together
to satisfy the needs of all Americans.

DISCUSSION: Labor unions encouraged Democrats to vote
for oil exploration in ANWR because of the 700,000 jobs that the
Teamsters special assistant on energy, Jerry Hood, claimed it
would provide. Hood is also reported in T he Washington Times
to have said that polls show that more than 50 percent of respondents
don't know what ANWR is. Other unions backing oil exploration
in ANWR include the International Brotherhood of Carpenter and
Joiners and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.

The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) helped defeat an amendment
that would have increased fuel efficiency standards to 27.5 miles
per gallon for light trucks and SUVs from the current 20.5 mpg.
Instead, language in the bill requires the auto industry to change
designs so the vehicles save 5 billion gallons of gasoline between
2004 and 2010. UAW claimed the higher standards would have cost
jobs. Lighter weight vehicles have contributed to more highway
fatalities, as noted by the recent National Academy of Sciences
report on CAFE standards.

by Gretchen Randall, Director of Energy & Regulatory
Affairs, The National Center for Public Policy Research